A few days ago I published a post on how taking trips with just your spouse can be healthy for your marriage. This all sounds good but let’s face it, everyone has different circumstances. One of my readers commented on the post, so let me quote a part of it:
“Our choice is made for us, it’s either take the kids or stay at home. Out of 6 siblings between us, not even one offered to keep our 22 month old while we were in the hospital having baby #2. And grandparents are either dead or elderly so they are not a viable option either. We are on our own, but we knew that when we started our family.”
I’m sure that’s the reality for many families. My write-up was based on the assumption that one has the network to pull off a trip without kids. That’s not always the case, of course.
Plus, some parents simply don’t feel comfortable leaving the kids behind, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Yet they still crave that special alone time with the spouse. The answer to this dilemma is Kids Club! I personally think it’s the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to family vacations.
Our first experience with Kids Club
The first time we left our spawn in the Kids Club was during a cruise to Western Caribbean when my son just turned three. I was very nervous, but he did very well.
Plus, we were just one “beep” away (they give parents beepers so they can be contacted in case of an emergency). That means you can’t really leave the ship, which was fine by me as I wouldn’t be comfortable doing it anyway. Kids Club is a wonderful gift during sea days when little kids tend to get bored out of their minds.
We only left him for an hour or two per day, and each time he seemed to look forward to going back. So, if you’ve never been on a cruise and have children who are old enough for Kids Club (usually 2, but policy varies), I highly recommend you look into this vacation option. Your marriage will thank you! See related post on how you can use points towards cruises.
All-inclusive resorts
However, not everyone likes the idea of doing a cruise and some people get seasick, so it’s not really an option. In that case, you may want to look into an all-inclusive vacation.
1) IHG
We’ve only been to Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay (twice), so that’s what my experience is based on. The first time was a bust (due to my son getting sick), but the second time we had an amazing vacation as a family.
One of the reasons for that was Kids Club, which allowed me and my husband to enjoy each other’s company (wink wink). Having unlimited alcohol definitely helped! The kids had a great time as well, and my daughter actually preferred the Kids Club to swimming in the pool.
The resort wasn’t fancy, but the caretakers were very friendly and seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with my children. This matters to moms, doesn’t it?
This resort is no longer an amazing bargain, as the price has gone up from 35k to 50k IHG points per night. Still, if you happen to have a new IHG co-branded credit card, you may want to consider coming here for a Spring Break family vacation. The reason? You’ll get every 4th night free when redeeming points. Since Jamaica is located relatively close to US, I think it’s a reasonable length of time to enjoy the resort as well as the island itself.
If you purchase IHG points today, you can get them for 0.5 cents apiece via one of their frequently run promos. You can also go through Topcashback (my referral link, you get $5), type in “Points.com” in search and earn a small percentage on your purchase. You need a total of 150k IHG points in order to cover four nights at this resort, assuming you have the new version of IHG credit card.
So, if you are able to invest $750, it’s not a bad deal during high season if you think about it. Note that points will get you a regular room, but most Platinum members get upgraded to at least a junior suite. Award availability for next spring is wide open, and kids 12 and under stay and eat free.
2) Hilton
Hilton all-inclusive resorts can be a good deal via points during off-season, so that’s something I recommend you look into as well. Speaking of Jamaica, there is a property there that gets rave reviews: Hilton Rose Hall All-inclusive Resort and Spa While you’ll pay 70K-80K points per night during spring, you can stay here for 45-55K points during off-season.
Rooms have two queen beds, a huge plus for families. Be aware that only kids under 5 stay free. There is a waterpark, lazy river, spa and much more. If you can fly to Jamaica during hurricane season, you should be able to snag an even better deal. Plus, Gold status may net you a suite upgrade since the resort won’t be full.
A quick reminder: the increased offers on several Amex Hilton Honors cards will expire June 27th. Be aware that you won’t be able to use free weekend night at the all-inclusive resorts.
3) Wyndham
You can also redeem Wyndham currency on all-inclusive resorts at a cost of just 15,000 points per night. Those can be a good deal during peak season. They used to allow you to bring kids for free, but now there is a (usually modest) surcharge. Check with individual property to find out their policy.
A quick reminder: time is running out on Wyndham“stay two times, earn 15,000 points”offer.
You can book two separate nights at a cheap Days Inn and potentially collect 15,000 points for $100 or so. You do have to physically check in, but you don’t have to spend the night in the room. If you have an early flight and need to find a hotel, it could be worth it to book a Wyndham property, assuming it has decent reviews. Be aware that the rate has to be at least $25 per night in order to qualify.
If you are traveling during off-season, I recommend you check out CheapCaribbean website which may be a better option than using hotel points. My reader Audrey told me that Cancun has a ton of reasonably priced all-inclusive resorts if you are willing to go during summer or fall months. I’ve also heard that Dominican Republic is a good place to snag a bargain. But if you are traveling during spring months, using hotel points will likely be your best bet.
Regular resorts where Kids Club is included in the rate
Some resorts don’t include meals, but may have a complimentary Kids Club. That can also be a decent option, especially if you are planning to go to that particular destination anyway. One of my readers lives in New Zealand and mentioned that Fiji has several SPG resorts that include a supervised Kids Club in the rate, even when you are using points.
The prices aren’t bad at all. Sheraton Fiji Resort and Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa cost 10k SPG points per night, and you get every fifth night free. If you plan to explore the islands and mostly eat outside of the resort, but like to have the use of the Kids Club for part of the day, this can be a good compromise.
You can redeem AAdvantage or Alaska currency on Fiji Airways, with the cost being 40k miles one way. The airline also has frequent sales, and we actually ended up paying cash for my kids’ tickets. If you are flying to Australia or New Zealand, you may want to consider stopping in Fiji on the way back, assuming Fiji Airways has award availability. That’s what my in-laws are planning to do in few weeks. When using Alaska miles, you can even include this stopover for free.
Consider paying for Kids Club if it’s not included
That’s what Nancy and her husband did when they vacationed in Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. They put the kids in Camp Hyatt from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $65/child (this price includes dinner). Cheap? Nope. But certainly cheaper than flying all the way to Jamaica or Fiji.
Plus, since they got an amazing deal on the resort by using Hyatt points (not to mention utilizing club access certificate), it made it easier to justify the splurge. And how can you put a price on a happy marriage?
Readers, what resorts with complimentary Kids Club would you recommend and why?
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
There was a Kids Club on our Alaskan cruise. The kids would wake up and demand to be taken to the club right away. They loved it! We never obligated them to go, it was their choice, and they wanted it. One day my son stayed for 8 hours straight. I checked in every hour or two and he just stayed and stayed and stayed. Their favorite part of the cruise was the Kids Club (never mind a helicopter ride or dog sledding). So I want to do another Kids Club vacation not only for ourselves, but for the kids, while they are kids.
In Nancy’s case – if the hotel is free, I’d pay $65/day for Kids Club easy …wait? Is that the price per kid!? Maybe not then, considering we have 3.
@Talchinsky Sweet! Now that’s a good Kids Club.
In Nancy’s case, yes, it was per kid. Definitely not cheap, but according to her, they have no babysitters at home. Zero. So, this is their chance to spend alone time, so I can kind of see the appeal. But yes, a lot of money, for sure.
The Andaz Papagayo is on my wish list. At 15,000 points plus a kids club, seems too good to be true! I imagine the cost of food is where it will hurt.
@Jennifer Yup! I did see that Kids Club is included in the rate. Unfortunately, you are correct that the food prices are very high. Also, rooms have two double beds. Of course, it’s not a deal breaker for some people and technically, Holiday Inn resort in Jamaica does too. The latter usually comes with an upgrade for Platinums, though.
They will shuttle you to a outside bar/restaurant that has very reasonable food, even happy hour drinks and half-price entrees that vary every night. We really enjoyed our time at the Andaz!
@Lynn That’s a great tip! I think the property looks fantastic. I’m not crazy about sharing two double beds for a family of four, as we are big people. 😉 Otherwise, what a steal when you use the Hyatt Card cert.